anemia

American  

[uh-nee-mee-uh] / əˈni mi ə /

Or anaemia

noun

1. Pathology. a quantitative deficiency of the hemoglobin, often accompanied by a reduced number of red blood cells and causing pallor, weakness, and breathlessness.

2. a lack of power, vigor, vitality, or colorfulness.

   His writing suffers from anemia.

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anemia British  

/ əˈniːmɪə /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of anaemia

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anemia Scientific  

/ ə-nē′mē-ə /

1. A deficiency in the oxygen-carrying component of the blood, as in the amount of hemoglobin or the number or volume of red blood cells. Iron deficiency, often caused by inadequate dietary consumption of iron, and blood loss are common causes of anemia.

2. See also aplastic anemia hemolytic anemia and sickle cell anemia

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anemia Cultural  

1. A condition in which the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen is decreased because of too few red blood cells in circulation or because of too little hemoglobin.

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Discover More

Because people suffering from anemia often appear weak and pale, the term is frequently used to describe general apathy or weakness: “The team's performance has been pretty anemic these past few weeks.”

Other Word Forms

• pseudoanemia noun

Etymology

Origin of anemia

First recorded in 1800–10; from New Latin, from Greek anaimía “bloodlessness, lack of blood”; see an- ¹, -emia

Compare meaning

How does anemia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sickle cell anemia vs. anemia
• thalassemia vs. anemia

Explanation

Anemia is a medical condition resulting from lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. People with anemia are often pale and lacking in energy. You become anemic when you are not getting enough iron. It is common among college students living away from home for the first time, because they often subsist on a diet of cheap carbohydrates instead of iron-rich, but expensive, foods like red meat and fresh vegetables.

Example Sentences

It’s always been more likely that China would simply lose one decade after another to chronic economic anemia, as Japan has since the 1990s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

In addition to their use as a contraceptive, the pills are prescribed for a variety of health issues, including preventing anemia from heavy periods and treating uterine fibroids.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

It had been days since she had taken an injection of the powerful antibiotics she needs to manage her condition, a type of anemia.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Avian malaria attacks red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, organ failure, lower survival rates and, in some species, death.

From Science Daily • Feb. 11, 2026

“Nothing wrong with her lungs,” the doctors told the Richardsons, though they warned of a host of other problems that might arise: jaundice, anemia, vision issues, hearing loss.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng